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The
wonders of Greece's glorious past are revealed
in its monuments and architecture. From the
Acropolis to the ruins at Delphi, your honeymoon
will allow you to see what draws visitors to
this country's sights and coastal areas. Your
adventure begins in the bustling city of Athens.
 From
the airport, you will be spirited by private
transfer to your accommodations. You wouldn't
want it any other way, as the streets tend to
be busy with drivers of all kinds! You will
be spending your first set of nights at Hotel
Grande Bretagne, a 19th century property with
an enviable location in the city center across
from Constitution Square. Enjoy delicious Greek
cuisine from the rooftop restaurant with the
Parthenon as a backdrop.
Fortunately
for travelers, the most important sites are
situated in the middle of the city around the
Acropolis. The best introduction to this ancient
city is by taking a funicular to the summit
of Mount Lycabettus, where you can enjoy a panoramic
view of Athens and the distant islands in the
Saronic Gulf.
Cascading
down the slopes of Lycabettus Hill, is the chic
Kolonaki neighborhood. Meander through its narrow,
winding streets lined with shops, restaurants,
art galleries and trendy cafes. On your way
to the Acropolis, you'll pass through the Plaka
district, a good base for exploring the major
monuments and sights. This picturesque neighborhood
is the oldest in the city and has retained much
of its character and original buildings. If
you want something to do at night, head to Psirri
(the "SoHo of Athens") - it's abuzz with late-night
crowds.
 Rising
over the center of Greece is the Acropolis,
the jewel of the ancient world. You will marvel
at the traces of Greece's rich history - The
Parthenon, The Temple of Nike and the Acropolis
Museum among others.
While
the Acropolis tends to be the focal point for
mainland visitors, head west of the city to
the Museum at Delphi, which houses some of the
most significant artifacts of ancient Greece
and the Sanctuary of Apollo. Delphi, the most
dramatically located of all of Greece's classical
sites, is set amid the towering cliffs and craggy
peaks of Mount Parnassus.
 Your
trip to mainland Greece would not be complete
without a visit to the northern Peloponnesian
Peninsula, where you will find a variety of
ruins, situated in a diverse landscape consisting
of massive mountains, valleys, rocky shores
and sandy beaches. In addition to sightseeing,
you will have time to relax and enjoy the languid
pace of this region. Sitting at seaside cafes
and watching the fishing boats in the horizon
are part of every day life here. Your base will
be Nafplion, often described as "the most beautiful
town in Greece," which sits on a hillside dominated
by a colossal fortress overlooking the serene
waters of the Gulf of Argos. When a break from
sightseeing is in order, kick back and unwind
at Amphitryon Hotel. Built right into the cliffs
overlooking town and the water, this contemporary
hotel offers a nice refuge - lay by the pool,
enjoy a cocktail on your spacious private deck,
or take an elevator down through solid rock
right to the waterfront.
 There
is much to uncover during your stay in Nafplion
- elegant Venetian and Greek neoclassical buildings;
the Venetian fortress of Palamidi; the island
citadel of Bourtzi; the Archaeological and Folk
Art Museums. Classical treasures can also be
explored in the surrounding towns - Mycenae
(setting for plays by famous dramatists); Epidaurus
(classical theatre); Ancient Corinth (Temple
of Apollo). A 4-hour drive west of town will
lead you to Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic
Games.
 After
a good amount of touring, your final few nights
will be spent at the exclusive Arion Resort &
Spa on the scenic Saronic Gulf. This
luxury property offers lavish accommodations
with commanding sea views. Dine at the excellent
restaurants, take a dip in the sea from one
of the sandy cove beaches, partake in a variety
of water sports or simply relax and refresh
for your trip home. If you begin to get a little
antsy, there are many interesting spots within
close proximity to the resort, including the
lovely Saronic Islands and the ancient Temple
of Poseidon.
As
you return home from your adventures through
mainland Greece, you will leave with a deeper
understanding of its amazing sights, both ancient
and modern.
Who
will enjoy this trip:
Those who are primarily interested in active
sightseeing, history and Greek culture.
Who
should avoid this trip:
Those who prefer to stay put in one place. Those
who prefer more relaxation and less sightseeing
should consider Romance
in the Greek Isles.
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